Sherwin in no shape for Tests: coach

Bulldogs halfback Brent Sherwin would not make the Kangaroo tour on current form and needs to do more this weekend, Australia coach Chris Anderson said last night.

In an assessment likely to add fuel to the Bulldogs' apparent "us against the world" approach to Saturday night's first preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters, Anderson said Sherwin's injury - a twisted pelvis - was a worry to selectors.

"Sherwin's obviously got an opportunity to prove himself - he hasn't stood out yet," Anderson said. "I think for Canterbury to be a danger next week he has to take the line on. He can't just be there and pass.

"You've got to be fair dinkum. In yesterday's game he didn't do many of his little kicks . . . he didn't threaten the line at all.

"And if he's not [doing that], it takes a lot of pressure off opposition teams. He's the bloke who can create tries."

Sherwin last night told Channel Ten his injury, which also affects his back and hamstrings, meant that: "It feels like it's going to snap when I'm running quick so I try to stay away from running."

Anderson responded: "You'd be worried about taking a bloke like that on tour, wouldn't you?

"You're only taking 23. You don't want to take a bloke over there who is suspect."

Sherwin is due to get the results of an MRI scan today or tomorrow. Bulldogs doctor Hugh Hazard insisted the injury was improving and there was a good chance of the No.7 being fit to play internationals against New Zealand, Wales and Great Britain at the end of the domestic season.

"He's getting better and better each week. He pulled up pretty good," Hazard said, "and as you can see, he took the line on a bit and kicked a bit better.

"He's got what they call a pelvic shift. Basically, it's a muscle imbalance thing, and it's a matter of a lot of stretching and core-strengthening exercises."

Anderson said Penrith's Craig Gower, last night named The Footy Show's player of the year, was "a little bit better chance in some ways because he can play halfback, hooker, five-eighth".

Referees coach Robert Finch yesterday spoke to Bill Harrigan about his turbulent past week, which included death threats before he controlled the Bulldogs-Melbourne game. Finch said that while Harrigan conceded he could have performed better in the match, the game's top match official was adamant the threats were not a factor.

Harrigan is tipped to be appointed to the Dogs-Roosters preliminary final, with Tim Mander to control Sunday's Penrith-Warriors match.

The NRL yesterday accused the Rugby League Professionals' Association of malice in its dealings over a collective bargaining agreement. The league wants to meet as many players as possible on October 23 and 24 - something the RLPA is happy with.

"We want to make sure the players understand the consequences of their demands," NRL chief executive David Gallop said. "A 400 per cent pay rise for State of Origin is going to have a drastic effect on the rest of the game."